For climbing definitions used within this web site and the world of climbing please select a letter from below.
“Off Belay” - n. Common climbing call from a climber to a belayer letting them know they are safe and no longer require belaying.
Offwidth - n/vb a crack that is neither wide enough to fit the whole body (chimney size) nor narrow enough to hand jam. Notorious for the necessity of awkward technique to climb, usually requiring the amalgamation of a layback techniques and good luck.
"On Belay" - Command shouted to coordinate between climber and belayer. It is used to make the belayer aware that the climber would like to be "on belay" and is ready to ascend.
Onsight - n/vb. a clean ascent with no falls, first try hence no dogging or practice runs and with no prior knowledge (beta) of the route.
Open Book - n. An inside corner on a right angle. The rock flares out from a central corner looking like an open book.
Open hand - n.vb. a technique that requires a maximum amount of skin contact from the hand. Often used on slopers, or sloping ledges. Requires the whole surface of the palm and fingers to be in contact with the hold.
Outdoor Bouldering – n. The act of bouldering on real boulders at an outdoor location.
Outdoor Climbing - n. The act of climbing on real rock, ice or snow. Includes the difficulty of the elements, unlike Indoor climbing which is often in a heated, well lit and safe environment.
Overhang – n. A portion of a rock
face that juts out making the climber ascend at an angle away from the rock
face. Puts tremendous stress on the hands, arms and shoulders.
